Best Time to See Rabbits in Missouri
May, June and April is the best time to see rabbits in Missouri. Based on 2,814 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when rabbits are most active across the year in Missouri.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Eastern Cottontail · Public domain CC0

Eastern Cottontail · antimatterbee CC BY

Eastern Cottontail · Conway Hawn CC BY
2,814 verified observations of rabbits in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When rabbits are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
May
604 records (21.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 42 | 1.5% |
| February | 72 | 2.6% |
| March | 128 | 4.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 508 | 18.1% |
| Maypeak | 604 | 21.5% |
| Junepeak | 565 | 20.1% |
| July | 344 | 12.2% |
| August | 242 | 8.6% |
| September | 132 | 4.7% |
| October | 93 | 3.3% |
| November | 52 | 1.8% |
| December | 32 | 1.1% |
Rabbits you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cottontail | 2,632 |
| Swamp Rabbit | 15 |
| European Rabbit | 13 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when rabbits are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for rabbits sit around 45 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Feb | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Mar | 57°F | 37°F | 5.6" |
| Aprbest time | 67°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 74°F | 56°F | 5.9" |
| Junbest time | 86°F | 65°F | 4.3" |
| Jul | 90°F | 70°F | 4.2" |
| Aug | 88°F | 69°F | 5.1" |
| Sep | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Oct | 68°F | 49°F | 5" |
| Nov | 57°F | 38°F | 2.1" |
| Dec | 50°F | 32°F | 2.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Missouri. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on rabbits in Missouri:
Sightings of rabbits in Missouri peak in May, when 604 of the year's 2,814 verified observations are logged — about 21.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when rabbits are hardest to find — December sees just 32 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The rabbits you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Eastern Cottontail, Swamp Rabbit and European Rabbit — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see rabbits in Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see rabbits in Missouri?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 2,814 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are rabbits hardest to see in Missouri?+
December is the quietest month for rabbits in Missouri, with only 32 verified records.
Are rabbits active year-round in Missouri?+
Rabbits are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see rabbits
More wildlife in Missouri